Sunstone was created from a love of people, an approach that everyone is different & unique and how we can help make a difference to your life
Our Values
People first being genuine, authentic & honest to help
Privacy & confidentiality
Wellness, positivity & sustainable focus for the environment
Do the right thing
Availability & responsiveness
Always happy to give feedback
Cultural approach of diversity & awareness that everyone is different
Curiosity to keep learning
Approach
At Sunstone we're driven to get great outcomes for you. Our people come from industrial / organisational psychology backgrounds in which we have an interest and a thirst for helping you get your next dream job or improving your organisation. Whether that be helping you hire great IT staff, finding you your next IT job or solving your people or organisational issues - we're always happy to hear from you.
Our experience comes from working with thousands of clients & candidates mostly in technology but across many industries - internationally, nationally and locally. We love to listen to your ideas and can be a great sounding board for your thoughts, plans and ideas.
Style
A consultative, face-to-face approach we're always happy to catch up and discuss - what's on your mind!?
We'll do the hard graft behind the scenes when you're under project pressure or need an extra hand to stay afloat in busy times of organisational change.
Whatever your business. We'd love to partner with you to best help you achieve successful outcomes.
Paul has a passion for skiing which has had him adventure all around the world skiing in India (Kashmir), Iran, Japan, US, Canada, Switzerland, France and here at home - Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand
Here’s a recent podcast I did for Seeds: Paul has had an interesting life including a childhood in Ilam Homestead, made famous by the movie "Heavenly Creatures" and in this episode we talk about his background, his time overseas, business in the Himalayas and what he does today. I was curious to understand from him what it is that makes a good interview and how recruiting works as he is involved in that at Sunstone.
Paul Swettenham, BA Psychology
Founder / Director / Principal IT Recruitment Consultant
I love getting people IT Jobs & helping them with their careers as I'm passionate about technology & people.
I have over 20 years of Executive, Finance & IT Recruitment experience in New Zealand and internationally working with Christchurch's leading software houses, technology companies and corporate clients finding them quality talent. I specialise in hard to fill roles and multiple IT recruitment projects helping build productive work cultures. I really enjoy advising candidates on how best to maximise their skills in the market place.
I am a career IT Recruitment Consultant in that I planned from university to become a recruiter after studying industrial/organisational psychology at the University of Canterbury. I have an entrepreneurial flair and enjoy advising on business structures, culture, remuneration, start-ups, business mentoring / coaching, IT recruitment market conditions and I am trained in the OPRA suite of psychometric assessment products.
When I'm not recruiting I like to design websites (like this one), surf, ski, cycle, listen to music, watch movies, take photos and spend time with my family (& dog;-).
I have a consultative approach and enjoy bringing great people to our super exciting, growing city of Christchurch. Please feel free to contact me on:
021 532 008
Click here to go to our live Software & IT Jobs for Christchurch & WFH
Stephanie Bain, BA, BSc (Hons) Psychology
Director / Principal People & Culture Consultant
I specialise in working with management in companies, both small & large, to help them get the best out of their people, and to set themselves up for success.
I am an experienced, proactive, hands on People & Culture generalist. Working primarily with management teams, I have advised on strategic and operational P&C to all levels in companies as large as several thousand to stand alone development roles both in New Zealand and internationally.
I have extensive experience in workplace auditing, diagnostics, problem solving, workforce planning, employee relations, recruitment and retention, performance management, remuneration, coaching, development, culture and engagement development, immigration and change management.
I also have extensive experience in crisis management from a strategic HR / People & Culture perspective working through the GFC in London & earthquakes & the pandemic in Christchurch.
With postgraduate qualifications in industrial/organisational psychology and psychological profiling & testing through SHL, Lominger and Thomas Intl. I thrive on building relationships quickly, working within a stimulating environment and am passionate about the benefits a good People & Culture approach can contribute to a business.
Feel free to call me for a confidential discussion on how I can help you best on:
021 313 993
Other Capabilities
Recruiting in market downturns & crisis management
Steph & Paul both have extensive experience working through market downturns. Steph in crisis management from a strategic HR / people perspective working through the GFC in London & Earthquakes and pandemic in Christchurch. Paul helping out companies when times are challenging to ensure your IT recruitment process is getting you the best IT / software people in the market.
Outplacement Services
Having to reduce staff and re-structure a team or department? We can be called into manage this delicate process or consult with staff being out placed to provide career advice, current market knowledge, job search & selection tactics with a dignified personal approach.
Psychometric Assessment
We're ready to recommend the right tools for selection or team analysis. Often it's hard to identify / assess the management skill set - psyc testing can often ascertain the key competencies within your interviewing process as one part of the puzzle.
Multiple Placement Projects / Rebuilding & developing new IT or Software teams
We thrive on a challenge and have delivered many multiple IT recruitment assignments with tight time pressures. Whether you're re-building a development team or experience rapid growth we're here to get the goods, build your culture and ensure you hit your targets and goals.
Candidate Coaching & Career Advice
Need some advice on your career? We're here to lend an ear and give you sound market advice, realistic feedback and we may even have a job for you on our books. We help candidates trying to transition into the IT career they want, help you understand the employment process, re-write or sharpen up your CV, and share some tips & tricks to get interviews. Get in touch now to talk through your situation.
Remuneration / Business Advisory
Need to work out if your staff member is being remunerated correctly? Want some advice on remuneration structures ie OTEs, commission/bonus structures, over-time, shift-work allowances, on-call structures and non-monetary ideas to incentivise staff? We can advise you on current market conditions & trends as we are 'knowledge workers' immersed in the current market.